5 Shocking Reasons Rosie O'Donnell Fled The US With Daughter Dakota "Clay" O'Donnell

The life of Dakota "Clay" O'Donnell, the youngest adopted child of comedian and actress Rosie O'Donnell, has been a central focus of the star's public life, especially following major, recent developments in late 2024 and 2025. As of December 2025, Dakota is approximately 12 years old, and the family has made a dramatic, headline-grabbing move from the United States to Ireland, a decision Rosie O'Donnell has openly stated was made for the safety and well-being of her child. This relocation, coupled with Dakota's public diagnosis of autism and their non-binary identity, has positioned their story as one of the most compelling and politically charged narratives in Hollywood parenting.

The latest updates confirm that Rosie O'Donnell and Dakota are currently residing in a rented property in Ireland as the comedian seeks to obtain her Irish citizenship. This move underscores a fierce commitment to protecting her child from the political climate in the US, which Rosie has deemed unsafe for her non-binary, autistic daughter. The story of Dakota is a powerful testament to the challenges and unconditional love of modern celebrity parenting.

Rosie O'Donnell's Daughter Dakota "Clay" O'Donnell: A Comprehensive Profile

Dakota O'Donnell, who now goes by the name Dakota "Clay" O'Donnell and uses they/them pronouns, is the youngest of Rosie O'Donnell's five children. Their journey into the O'Donnell family and their subsequent public life has been marked by significant milestones, including an adoption, a major health diagnosis, and a brave declaration of identity.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

• Full Name: Dakota "Clay" O'Donnell
• Date of Arrival/Adoption: January 9, 2013
• Current Age (as of Dec 2025): Approximately 12 years old
• Parents: Rosie O'Donnell (Adoptive Mother) and Michelle Rounds (Adoptive Mother, deceased)
• Adoption Details: Adopted by Rosie O'Donnell and her then-wife, Michelle Rounds
• Autism Diagnosis: Diagnosed with high-functioning autism at age 2½ in 2016
• Gender Identity: Non-binary
• Current Residence: Ireland (as of late 2024/2025)

Rosie O'Donnell has consistently championed Dakota's unique spirit, often referring to their autism as a "superpower." The comedian's candidness about the challenges and joys of raising a child on the autism spectrum has provided visibility and comfort to countless families. The conversation has recently expanded to include Dakota's non-binary identity, which has become the driving force behind the family's major life change.

The Autism "Superpower": Dakota's Diagnosis and Public Advocacy

The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for Dakota in 2016 became a pivotal moment in Rosie O'Donnell's life and public advocacy. Rosie has spoken extensively about her initial fear and subsequent commitment to ensuring Dakota never felt shame about the diagnosis.

The concept of "autism as a superpower" is a mantra Rosie O'Donnell has instilled in Dakota from a young age. This positive reframing encourages Dakota to embrace their unique way of processing the world. Rosie’s openness about the journey—from the initial shock to the celebration of neurodiversity—has been a powerful tool in raising awareness and reducing stigma around ASD.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

The comedian has noted the unique challenges, including a deeply emotional moment when Dakota, at age nine, requested to speak to their birth mother. This vulnerability highlights the complex emotional landscape of adoption and the continuous journey of identity for a child on the spectrum.

The Controversial Move to Ireland: Safety and Non-Binary Identity

In a major development that dominated headlines in late 2024 and throughout 2025, Rosie O'Donnell announced her decision to leave the United States and relocate to Ireland with Dakota "Clay." This was not a vacation or a temporary change of scenery; it was a permanent move driven by a profound and political reason: the safety of her child.

Rosie O'Donnell admitted that the decision to flee the US was largely for the "safety" of her non-binary child, citing the need to escape the policies and political climate she found threatening to LGBTQ+ youth. The family is currently renting in Ireland while O'Donnell attempts to secure her Irish citizenship, a process that underscores the seriousness of her commitment to the move.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

The move has brought to the forefront the discussion around Dakota’s gender identity. Dakota identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. Rosie has been candid about her own learning curve, admitting that using the correct neutral pronouns for her child is "hard" but a necessary part of her support. This public struggle and ultimate commitment to respecting Dakota’s identity is a powerful message to other parents navigating similar family dynamics.

How Rosie O'Donnell is Navigating Parenting a Non-Binary, Autistic Child

Rosie O'Donnell's parenting philosophy with Dakota is a masterclass in unconditional love, advocacy, and public education. Her approach involves several key principles:

• Unconditional Acceptance: By relocating to a country she perceives as safer, Rosie has demonstrated an extreme level of commitment to protecting Dakota's non-binary identity from perceived political hostility.
• Reframing Diagnosis: Her consistent use of the term "superpower" instead of "disability" for Dakota's autism has helped shape a positive self-image for her child.
• Open Communication: Rosie has shared emotional moments, such as Dakota's request to connect with their birth mother, illustrating a family environment built on transparency and emotional honesty.
• Public Education: Through her interviews and social media, Rosie O'Donnell has become an accidental advocate, educating the public on both the nuances of raising an autistic child and the importance of respecting non-binary identities and pronouns.

The ongoing journey of Dakota "Clay" O'Donnell is a powerful symbol of modern family life, where celebrity status intersects with complex issues of health, identity, and political refuge. As they continue to grow up in Ireland, their story remains a beacon of strength and advocacy for neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ children around the world.